The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit celebrated its ninth annual For Art’s Sake event on Saturday May 2 and 3, benefiting arts education and outreach programs. More than 200 guests bid on art work in a range of media donated by national and international artists. Several pieces, including one by former Art Center exhibiting artist, Adam Fowler, sold for more than $3,000. The event also featured a Connoisseurs’ Salon, with a selection of contemporary art work and premiere catering by David Ellis Events. More than 100 guests and artists attended Friday night’s VIP Connoisseurs’ Reception and previewed work by artists Jordan Eagles, Julie Peppito, Frohawk Two Feathers, Judith Braun and many more. Visit the center’s website for a full list of participating artists. Curator, Mary Birmingham gave VIP guests an art work highlights talk and several sealed bids were placed prior to Saturday night’s auction. Recognized for excellence, the art center’s exhibition and educational programs serve school districts and a range of service providers whose programming has been greatly diminished or eliminated due to budget cuts. Each year more than 3,500 K-12 students and an additional 1,000 children and adults with special needs benefit from the programs. For Art’s Sake is the center’s major fundraising event and since its inception in 2005, has helped raise more than $300,000 a year that directly benefits with proceeds directly supporting its education programs, exhibitions and outreach initiatives. For Art’s Sake corporate sponsors include: David Ellis Events; Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper; Lois Schneider Realtor; Seavest Healthcare Properties, LLC; and Siegel+Gale. In kind sponsors include: Greg Smith and Contemporary Art & Editions, Millburn, NJ; Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine; L.A. Frame Co., Green Brook, NJ and Trap Rock Brewery. For more information about the event, visit